Richard Allan Braak

1934 - 2024

Richard Allan Braak was born at home in Spring Lake, Michigan, on Dec. 3, 1934, and passed away peacefully on Oct. 13, 2024, after a long battle with Lewy Body dementia.

His childhood was spent playing outside with his siblings and many neighborhood kids, and summers boating on Spring Lake and the Lake Michigan bayous. His job at age 16 at Pippel- Patterson Printing led to a 65-year career in printing. He graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 1957 and, being a true pioneer in spirit, headed to California as an estimator at Recorder-Sunset Press in San Francisco, then general manager of Atwood Printing in Lodi and, in 1977, the longtime owner of Quadco Printing in Chico.

Richard and his first wife, Ann Weese Braak, were married in 1960, welcoming two daughters, Jennifer and Kati, and remaining friends after their 24-year marriage ended. In 1985, he married Sherryl Garcia Braak, and they were blessed with 38 years together until her passing in 2023. He adored becoming Daddy Dick to Sherry's two children, James and Elizabeth.

Throughout his life, Richard was known for his generosity and kindness, always willing to lend a hand to those in need. Richard was introduced to the importance of peace and justice in the early 1960s and was a longtime supporter of civil rights. He quietly and anonymously touched the lives of many in need. Richard taught his four children the value of hard work, the importance of volunteering to improve our community, the need to see the best in people, and the significance of having faith.

He was a devout Episcopalian and spent more than 45 years at St. John the Evangelist in Chico, including as a member of the vestry, bell choir and Friday Men's Group. He was active in his Chico community including as a city planning commissioner, Grand Jury member, past director of Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Chico Business Association, 50 years in Rotary, and earning Businessman of the Year.

He played racquetball into his early 80s, adored sailing, camping, ice cream, a good book, getting together with friends and family, and simply sitting with his beloved, Sherry.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Sherry; his parents, Arnold and Louise Braak; his brothers, Larry and Charles; and his sister-in-law, Nancy. He is survived by his sister, Mary (Casey); his children: Jennifer Salem, Kati Braak (Linda), James Mabry (Sarah) and Elizabeth Mitchell (Paul); grandchildren: Lindsay Salem-Bango (Zack), Tyler Salem, Aidan, Kilian and Augustine Mabry, and Cecilia and Natalia Mitchell; his former son-in-law, Steve Salem; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

A Celebration of Life honoring Richard will be held at St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church in Chico, California, on Friday, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m., with a reception to follow in the Parish Life Center. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Music Ministry at St. John's, Chico at https://www.stjohns chico.org/ or Chico Rotary at https://www.chicorotary.com/page/give.